The Ascent to Equality - The Story of the Iconic Cholitas Climbers

The story of Julia Quispe Tuncuta speaks of resilience, determination, and the power to overcome obstacles. Hailing from the isolated community of Chucura on the Bolivian high plateau, Julia discovers mountaineering at the age of 10, helping her father carry equipment for tourists exploring the peaks around La Paz.

Following in her father's footsteps, Julia later becomes a porter in La Paz, accompanying tourist groups climbing the Bolivian mountains. Fascinated by the emotions experienced by these climbers, the young girl harbors a secret ambition: to climb mountains herself. However, the equipment is expensive, and women are scarce in this discipline, especially those like Julia who wear the traditional Aymara costume with its skirt, the "pollera", facing significant discrimination.

Traditionally confined to roles as cooks or porters during climbs, indigenous women have nonetheless developed extensive knowledge of the mountains over time. Julia refuses to be discouraged and manages to climb Illimani, the second highest mountain in Bolivia, dressed in her traditional attire. Far from being merely a personal achievement, this ascent symbolizes the empowerment of indigenous women worldwide.

This pivotal moment fueled her passion, leading her to conquer challenging peaks across Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, culminating in the ascent of Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, with the Women for the Summit group in February 2023.

Julia's journey paved the way for the "Cholitas Escaladoras" ("Cholitas Climbers") movement, composed of Aymara indigenous women climbing South American summits in traditional costume. In doing so, they challenge cultural stereotypes entrenched in Bolivian society and demonstrate that women can overcome all challenges and have as much place as men in this environment.

Thanks to the support of CECI-Bolivia and VCP-CECI, among others, which allowed them to establish an association and access strategic partnerships, the influence of Julia and the Cholitas Climbers now extends beyond their own efforts. They have become sources of hope and inspiration for countless other young women facing societal barriers or discrimination, transforming individual lives as well as entire communities. They also pave the way for major changes, such as women gaining access to the Bolivian Mountain Guide Association, enabling them to receive official recognition of their skills.

As the current president of the Bolivia Cholitas Climbing association, Julia continues to organize hikes for tourists, sharing her passion and encouraging others to reach new heights. With CECI's support, the Cholitas Climbers can now undergo training and obtain certifications as mountain guides and rescuers, professionalizing their activity and enabling them to increase their income.

The story of Julia and the Cholitas is not just about reaching summits; it's about breaking stereotypes, overcoming adversity, and paving the way for emancipation for future generations. Their journey reminds us that with determination, adequate support, and unwavering faith in one's own abilities, anything is possible.

_{This testimony comes from the activities of the CECI Volunteer Cooperation Program funded by the Government of Canada.}